State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 08 May 2026

Sourav Kothari Wins IBSF World Billiards Championship

Why in News?  

Indian cueist Sourav Kothari defeated Pankaj Advani to win the IBSF World Billiards Championship title in Carlow, Ireland.  

Key Points  

• Champion: Sourav Kothari retained the IBSF World Billiards Championship title by defeating India’s Pankaj Advani in the final.  
  • The victory marked Sourav Kothari’s second consecutive IBSF World Billiards Championship title.  
• Dedication: He dedicated the title to his late father Manoj Kothari, a former World Billiards champion.  
• IBSF:  
  • The International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) is the apex body responsible for governing Snooker and English Billiards worldwide.  
  • The World Billiards & Snooker Control Council was established in 1971 and was renamed the International Billiards & Snooker Federation in 1973.  
  • is recognised by the International Olympic Committee through the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS). 

Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed CBFC Chairperson

Why in News?  

The Government of India has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).  

Key Points  

• Appointment: Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) through a notification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in May 2026.  
• Tenure: He will hold office for a period of three years from the date of joining.  
• Successor: He succeeds Prasoon Joshi, who stepped down after being elevated as Chairman of Prasar Bharati.  
• Previous Experience: Shashi Shekhar Vempati is a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prasar Bharati and has extensive experience in media, broadcasting, and public communication.  
• CBFC: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that regulates the public exhibition of films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. 

Read More: CBFC, Prasoon Joshi 

India to Host First World Yogasana Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad

Why in News? 

India is set to host the first-ever World Yogasana Championship in 2026 in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step in promoting Yogasana as a competitive global sport. 

Key Points 

• Yogasana as a Sport: Yogasana refers to the physical postures (asanas) of yoga, focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. 
  • In recent years, India has been pushing to formalize Yogasana as a competitive discipline, with structured scoring and judging criteria. 
• Organised By: The event will be organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 
• Nodal Body: Yogasana Bharat is the nodal body responsible for promotion and regulation of Yogasana competitions. 
  • Efforts are underway for global recognition through international federations. 
• Globalisation of Yoga: Strengthens India’s role as the global hub of yoga, rooted in ancient traditions. 
  • Adoption: Builds on the success of International Day of Yoga, adopted by the UN in 2014. 
• Sports Recognition:Promotes Yogasana as a competitive sport, potentially paving the way for inclusion in multi-sport events like the Olympics. 

India Tops Global Remittance Inflows

Why in News? 

The World Migration Report 2026, released by the International Organization for Migration, highlights that India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances, continuing its long-standing dominance 

Key Points 

• Rank: India ranks 1st globally,increasing from $83.15 billion in 2020 to $137.67 billion in 2024.  
• Foreign Reserve: Remittances are a crucial source of foreign exchange earnings and support millions of households. 
• Trend: The global remittance landscape reflects migration trends, labour mobility, and economic linkages. 
• Top 5 Remittance-Receiving Countries (2026): 
  • India 
  • Mexico 
  • Philippines 
  • France 
  • Pakistan 
• Outflow: The United States remained the world’s largest source of remittances in 2024, with more than $100 billion sent abroad.   
• Large Diaspora: India has the world’s largest diaspora (over 30 million people). 
• Skilled & Semi-Skilled Workforce: Migration to regions like the Gulf, USA, and Europe. 
• Strong Economic Linkages: High-income earning migrants send regular remittances. 
• Digital Transfer Systems:Growth of fintech and low-cost remittance channels.